FDA clearance for Planmed Verity® Extremity Scanner
On February 1, 2013 the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued 510(k) approval letter for the Planmed Verity® Extremity Scanner. Planmed Verity is intended to be used for X-ray computed tomography of anatomies within upper and lower extremities.

HELSINKI, Feb. 8, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Planmed Verity® is designed to find subtle extremity fractures during the first visit to the clinic – the types of fractures that have most commonly been missed when only using 2D radiographs. Planmed Verity Extremity Scanner is a unique solution to the problem; it provides fast 3D imaging at the point of care. It is intended for pre- and postoperative imaging, and it has better resolution and patient adaptability and uses a significantly lower dose of radiation than full-body CTs. Unlike any other 3D imaging device, Planmed Verity also allows for weight-bearing imaging of the extremities.

As a dedicated extremity scanner, Planmed Verity adapts to the patient with anatomy-specific imaging programs, movements, and carbon-fiber positioning trays. Easily adjustable, soft surfaced gantry and motorized positioning help in finding a comfortable position for various examination procedures. The adjustable user interfaces and efficient all-in-one workflow are also designed to maximize the operator's soothing presence for the patient.

"Planmed Verity is the first and only CT system in the world that can image seated, supine and standing patients. We are excited that this innovative, low dose orthopedic imaging system is now available also in the U.S. We are confident that it will be well received," says Vesa Mattila, Vice President of Planmed Oy.

Planmed's products are well known for their exquisite design and user ergonomics. The U.S. subsidiary Planmed USA, Inc. located in Roselle, IL, is responsible for sales, marketing, and tech support for Planmed products in North America. "We are very pleased to extend our imaging equipment line to orthopedic imaging. Many of our customers have been looking forward to this clearance," says Chris Oldham, Director of Sales of Planmed USA, Inc.

Planmed Verity has the CE mark and thus, is available for sale in the EU and many other countries where the CE certificate permits sales. In the US, Planmed Verity has been in clinical test use at the Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston.

Planmed Verity will be on display at the American Association of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS) meeting starting on March 19, 2013 in Chicago.

Planmed Oy and the Planmeca GroupPlanmed Oy develops, manufactures, and markets advanced imaging equipment and accessories for mammography and orthopedic imaging. Planmed Oy is part of the Finland-based Planmeca Group, which manufactures and markets advanced equipment for medical and dental fields.www.planmed.com